2012 Stars and Stripes U14 Autumn Tournament – Final

Monkstown LTC win Stars and Stripes U14 Final

Monkstown LTC completed the Stars and Stripes double on Saturday evening as they overcame Bray in a close encounter in Sandycove, this year’s hosts. First matches out on court were the boys’ singles and we had a classic on Court 1 as John O Mahony came from 6-2 down to level at 6 all and then won the tiebreak to win the first match for Monkstown LTC 7-6 – a really first rate game. Harry Crossanon court 2 was the class act there winning the match 11-2 giving the team a much needed good start – we knew Bray’s girls in particular were very strong.

The Bray no 1 girl – Leah Paul was outstanding – she has not been playing much tennis and has come back to it largely as a result of this competition but it was a privilege to watch her. Our no 1 Rachel Norton struck the ball really well, served well and competed in all of the rallies but Leah was just too good. Monkstown LTC no 2 Sarah Mageewas also in a tough battle and fought really hard to win 5 games to Bray’s 8 – a great performance. Our no 1 girl’s doubles Sarah Healy and Claire Doylebattled hard against strong opposition but went down 11-2. The girls’ night was rescued by a great performance from Caoimhe Byrneand Sarah McAuleywho won their doubles 11-2. So Bray won the girls match 34-18, but we were delighted with the way our girls performed and the 18 hard won points were to prove crucial.

The boys’ doubles went out on court at the same time – well almost – we had a minor panic when we discovered Patrick Byrnewas in Monkstown! The no 2 doubles pairing of Adam McGovernand Harry Shaw(who was a very late replacement for the indisposed Alex Boyne) went out on court and won their match 12-1 – making it a real possibility that we could win the cup as long as we could get something out of our no 1 doubles! We managed to get Patrick there and he went on court with David Keaneand won the match 8-5 so we forgave him! So the boys won 38-14 meaning that Monkstown LTC won the overall match 56-48and took home the trophy!

The presentation took place immediately afterwards and there was a great crowd there –with Bray, Monkstown LTC and Blackrock (Shield winners) supporters providing a great atmosphere getting right behind their teams. John O Mahony gave a nice thank you speech – straightforward and to the point!

Many thanks to our subs who helped us along the way – Lucy Coulter Smith and Julie Ringrosefor the girls and Alex Boyne and Mark Fosterfor the boys. Special thanks to Anne Noonan who did such a great job managing the girls – great to see the improvement in their tennis over the past 6 months – and to the coaches – Adrienne, Michael McMahon and Stephen (in alphabetical order!) for all they have done for our kids and for their support throughout the competition.

And finally – something you probably did not know – Patrick Byrne raced to the clubhouse immediately after the match to play his – wait for it – Clarinet – in the club’s Musical Evening – and a very fine job he made of it too! Such a talented group we have!